Foxit Software has recently updated its Foxit PDF Reader to version 2024.2.3 for Windows, alongside updates for the premium Foxit PDF Editor. These updates address several high-risk security vulnerabilities, ensuring that users’ systems are better protected from potential threats.
The vulnerabilities were discovered by external security researchers, and although there have been no reported attacks exploiting these weaknesses, Foxit has acted promptly to patch the issues.
According to Foxit’s security bulletins, the vulnerabilities affect all versions of Foxit PDF Reader and Editor up to and including version 2024.2.2 on Windows, as well as Foxit PDF Editor 2024.2.2 and earlier versions on macOS.
The main issues fixed in these updates include use-after-free vulnerabilities, which could have been exploited by malicious PDF files to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. These types of vulnerabilities are serious, as they can compromise the security of a system if left unaddressed.
The updates to version 2024.2.3 for both Foxit PDF Reader and Editor have been available since the beginning of the previous week. However, Foxit only released the update for its Windows PDF Reader on August 9th, which means that users should ensure they have installed the latest version to remain secure. The update process is critical for maintaining the integrity of systems that rely on Foxit’s software for handling PDFs.
Foxit PDF Reader, known for being a lightweight alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader, has grown in feature set over the years, making it less “lightweight” than it once was. The current download size exceeds 140MB, which is significantly larger than simpler PDF readers.
For users seeking a truly lightweight and free alternative, the open-source Sumatra PDF is recommended, with a download size of just under 8MB. Additionally, many modern web browsers, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, now offer built-in PDF viewing capabilities that may suffice for basic needs.
Foxit PDF Editor, a commercial tool for creating and editing PDFs, competes directly with Adobe Acrobat. Users should note that when installing Foxit PDF Reader, a 14-day trial of Foxit PDF Editor is automatically included unless they deselect this option during setup.
This trial feature highlights Foxit’s attempt to introduce users to its more advanced, paid software offerings, which provide a wider range of PDF editing tools compared to the free Reader version.
